Next week, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will vote on a budget proposal, which would increase MUNI fares.
Yesterday, a resolution was passed during a virtual meeting of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors urging the SFMTA to hold off on any rate increases. Most of the supervisors are in agreement that given the financial challenges many city residents are facing during this pandemic, this is not a time to consider increases in fares.
"When we turn the corner and we come out of this crisis, and we will, I think the last thing we want to do is be raising fairs during a time when San Franciscans will be very economically insecure, and where a lot of San Franciscans may be skeptical about congregating on public transit," said District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston.
The SFMTA board will vote next week on next year’s budget. If the current proposal passes, it’s fare increases will likely go into effect by July. The proposed fare increases are as follows: a single ride paid by Clipper card increases 12%, from $2.50 to $2.80. Adult monthly Muni passes would increase by $5 per month.
Out of eleven supervisors, only one— Rafael Mandelman voted against the resolution. He pointed to new programs that the fare increases allow the SFMTA to do, like free rides to anyone under 19 years old and to anyone experiencing homelessness.
The resolution passed 10-1, and the budget vote will be held next week on April 21, 2020.